P.O. owner foiled raid

A BRAVE post office owner has told how she foiled an attempted robbery by a knife-wielding raider.

The would-be robber struck at the Thomas Street post office and newsagent at 1.05pm on Sunday, demanding cigarettes and money, but nothing was taken.

Owner Uzma Atif, 40, who has been at the shop for four years, said: "He was desperate for money.

"He had a hood on his head and a scarf on his face.

"I said to him 'it's cold outside', then he told me to open the till twice in a mumbled voice.

"He had his hands in his pockets, then he brought out a knife — I stood back and said 'help yourself'."

The man fumbled with the till, she said, and was struggling to open it.

"I told him my husband would call the police," she said. "A boy was coming through the door and he got distracted, he struggled with the key and got frightened.

"I said: 'I'm on the phone now to the police', pulling out my mobile. He ran out — I was on 999, but the lady couldn't hear me."

Following the botched raid, the culprit made off on foot in the direction of Felinfoel Road or Gilbert Crescent. "I was a bit shook up, and the adrenaline was running high," added Mrs Atif.

Police are urging business owners, shopkeepers and staff to be aware of their safety.

The suspect is described by the force as being about 19, wearing a black hooded top with the word Henleys on the front in white writing, black and white camouflage trousers and a black scarf across his face covering his mouth and nose. He had large blue eyes.